Beyonce's 2019 cover of the song “Before I Let Go” was a crowning triumph for the song's writer, whose musical career began in the early 1960s. Frankie Beverly was born on December 9, 1946 in Philadelphia. He started singing as a teenager in the group harmony doo wop style that was popular in the 1950s. In the early ‘60s, he started a group called The Butlers. The group made their first records in 1963.
None of Frankie Beverly and The Butlers’ early records did much in the Philadelphia area. There were a few local radio hits like “The Sun's Message” and “She Tried to Kiss Me,” but none of them broke out nationally. Philadelphia producer Kenny Gamble, co-creator of the Philly Sound, did some work with Frankie Beverly and The Butlers in the late 60s, and despite good results, nothing much happened.
Frankie Beverly and his group packed up and moved to the West Coast, hoping for better results. They changed their name to Raw Soul and released a few singles in the early ‘70s, including their first recording of “While I'm Alone.”
Things started picking up for Frankie Beverly and his group in California. They were introduced to Marvin Gaye, who made them his opening act and convinced Frankie to change the name of the group. Frankie Beverly and Maze were signed to Capitol Records and released their first album in 1977, 14 years after Frankie made his first records with The Butlers in Philadelphia.
Beverly and Maze became one of the most popular and enduring R&B acts in the history of the music. Their 1980 recording, “Before I Let Go,” is a soul anthem.
Happy birthday, Frankie Beverly.
Listen, above.
Recommended tracks
“Before I Let Go”
“Happy Feelin's” (live)
“Golden Time of Day”
“Joy and Pain”
“Lady of Magic”
Deep cuts
“While I'm Alone” (with Raw Soul)
“She's Gone” (with the Butlers)
